Refuge from Cruel Trapping Act

Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) has remained steadfast in her determination to end use of inhumane traps in the United States, but has shifted the focus of her legislation to our nation’s refuges. On October 1, she introduced H.R. 3710, the Refuge from Cruel Trapping Act, a measure to end the use of body-gripping traps within the National Wildlife Refuge System. The legislation prohibits use of steel jaw leghold traps, Conibear killing traps, and neck snares within all 550 refuges, though the focus is clearly the 280 refuges that specifically permit use of these barbaric devices. As lands set aside to serve as a safe harbor for wildlife, it is appropriate to stop the cruelty inflicted by body-gripping traps within the refuges. A national Decision Research public opinion poll demonstrates that most Americans agree; 79% believe trapping on National Wildlife Refuges should be prohibited.